Juliette Duffy

My Hockey Background

I began playing hockey at the age of seven with my school, St. Gerards Senior School in Bray, Co. Wicklow and by eight years old, I had joined my local club, Bray Hockey Club. After two years my school coach encouraged me to move to a more competitive club, Three Rock Rovers, where I could play at a higher level. From the outset, I was consistently playing above my age group, and by 14, I was training with Three Rock Rovers, Ladies 1st team. One week after turning 15 (the minimum age for playing senior hockey In Ireland), I made my debut for the 1st team and scored in my first league match. This was a significant step forward in my hockey journey, as the jump from junior to senior level was a major one. Adjusting to the faster pace and greater physicality of playing with older, more experienced players was a real challenge—but one I embraced.

I have played on my school’s Senior A team for the past two seasons, competing at the highest level in the premier league, and for both years I was the top goal scorer. Playing hockey has enabled me to develop deep friendships with my teammates, which has encouraged me to push myself harder, stay committed, and enjoy every moment on and off the pitch. I feel really fortunate to have good friends as my team mates, including my older sister where I play with her in both school and club. Sharing the pitch with her has not only strengthened our bond but also pushed me to raise my game. Her guidance, support, and example have been a constant source of motivation, and some of my favourite memories in sport have been ones we’ve shared together. 

Internationally, I was selected at 15 to represent Leinster in the Interprovincial Series and honoured to be named Vice-Captain of the squad. I was also selected for the Irish U16 national team, competing in two Four Nations tournaments. scoring my first international goal against the Netherlands during the summer series. I was selected for the Irish U18 National Team in February and also named to the Leinster interprovincial squad for the 2025/26 season.

In addition to outdoor hockey, I also really enjoy indoor hockey. The speed of the indoor game has developed my hand speed and tackling ability. In October 2024, I was selected for the Irish U18 All-Star indoor team. Our team competed in elite international tournaments in South Africa and Amsterdam, (against top sides from across South Africa, Namibia and The Netherlands). I will be returning to the squad this year and look forward to returning to South Africa and The Netherlands next season.

My core strengths lie particularly in goal scoring, especially on my reverse. I am proud of my speed of play, quick hands, and defensive ability. Indoor hockey has taught me to stay low and composed under pressure, which has made me a confident tackler—especially in block tackles and jabbing. I am also very strong at anticipating what the opposition will do to make effective tackles and obtain and retain possession of the ball.

Playing school, club, and international hockey has pushed me to grow, adapt, and compete at every level—and it’s been an incredible journey every step of the way.

Why I want to play college field hockey

I am highly motivated, hard working and coachable and I am eager to take the next step in both my academic and athletic journey. I feel studying in the USA will offer me an exciting opportunity to play high level competitive hockey, while also getting a great education. It excites me as it would allow me to compete as an elite athlete while also earning a great degree, in an environment where the facilities and support offered to student athletes is world class. I’m also really looking forward to experiencing a new lifestyle and culture. I feel being part of a college team would not only push me to become a better player and reach my full potential, but it would also give me the chance to make friendships with people from all over the world.